Tim Burton Cinematic Techniques Analysis

A person does not usually pay attention to cinematic techniques used in a film because one does not think of the details in the movie. These details are a key part in creating the mood and tone. Tim Burton uses similar techniques in his movies to create a suspenseful mood. Many instances of low key lighting were used to create a suspenseful mood. Along with low key lighting, low and high camera angles were used to show authority and importance. Lastly, non-diegetic sound was used to create a dramatic effect while still making the mood suspenseful.
A cinematic technique Burton often uses is low key lighting. In his opening credits during Big Fish and Edward Scissorhands, the credits were dull and dark. An example would be in Edward Scissorhands. Edward’s house was in low key lighting

while the rest of the houses were in high key. This made the house seem mysterious and made the viewer curious as to what lurks inside. The big dark house contrasted with the cheerful single family homes. Another example of low key lighting would be in Big Fish, when Edward Bloom is walking through the forest. The low key lighting in this scene help create the suspenseful mood. This makes the viewer feel on edge as to what will be become of Edward Bloom. Along with low key lighting, Burton uses an excessive amount of camera angles.
Camera angles play a key part in Tim Burton films.

High angles and low angles are often used to show either authority or importance. In Edward Scissorhands, a low angle was used on Kim as she was spinning around in the snow Edward created by shaving an ice sculpture. The low angle showed how she felt superior and great euphoria. This moment is when she realized how much Edward was unique and important to her. Also in Edward Scissorhands, a high angle of the garden in Edward’s mansion was used to show how small Peg was compared to it. The garden was big and elegant making Peg seem small and insignificant as she walked. Moving on to Big Fish, there was a low angle of William speaking to his father while he is laying sick in the bed. This shows how he holds the authority as of now. Will finally has the upper hand over his father and the low angle is used to reflect this. To contrast, a high angle was used on Edward while he is laying in the bed to show how he has to look up at his son because of his sickness. This intended effect was used to show how the parent doesn’t always have the upper hand in some situations. Camera angles are an important technique Burton uses, but so is

sound.
Burton loves to use non-diegetic sound his movies. There have been many moments in movies non-diegetic sound id needed to express the shot. In Edward Scissorhands, there was a scene where Edward first went into Peg’s home and saw a photo frame with Kim’s face in it. It was clear Edward was experiencing love at first sight through the non-diegetic music playing. The music helped to create the suspenseful mood. It made the viewer wonder if anything would ever really happen between Edward and Kim. Another use of non-diegetic sound in Edward Scissorhands, is when Edward is giving the ladies haircuts. The first haircut he did there was non-diegetic music playing. This made the big reveal of the hair when it was finished mysterious. The viewer wasn’t sure how the hair was going to turn out so the music helped make the scene oven more suspenseful then it already was. An example of the non-diegetic sound in Big Fish is when Will was first walking to his father’s room after years of not meeting him. This helped convey the theme of suspense by making the big meeting seem like a major deal. It was a big deal and the music helped show the importance.
Tim Burton sticks to using similar techniques in all his movies. With lighting, camera angles, and sound being his most used techniques, it is certain Burton likes to take a much more dark approach on his movies. This creates much suspense and keeps the viewer sit on the edge of their seat in anticipation. Overall, Burton’s techniques have caused him great success and his movies are enjoyable.